Midlife Pilot Podcast

Latest Episodes:

EP119 - The Cockpit Lies, Data Doesn't: Flysto Debrief Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

Join Ben, Ted, and special guest Mark (aka 1DullGeek) as they talk Flysto, the flight-tracking app that brutally reveals they're better and worse pilots than they thought. Geek out over landing scores, wind data, and traffic playback that "takes the emotional component out of the debrief" – perfect for analyzing that crosswind landing you swore was perfect (spoiler: it wasn't).

Come for the flight data analysis, stay for Ben's parting wisdom: "Light travels faster than sound, which is why some people appear bright until they speak."

(Special thanks to Mark for filling in for Brian last minute)Mentioned on the show:

* Mark aka 1dullgeek: https://www.youtube.com/@1dullgeek/videos

* AID - Anderson Indiana: https://www.airnav.com/airport/AID

* 02C - Capitol Drive Airport, Wisc: https://www.airnav.com/airport/02C

* Seth Lake DPE: https://www.youtube.com/c/SethLakeDPE

* Seth Lake's ACE guide: https://vslaviation.myshopify.com/products/vsl-ace-guide

* Video showing the ACE guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZM-s2EBK7w

* Aviation NewsTalk 365 with Patrick L. of Flysto: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7CiwzM7kWE

* Flysto- AOPA, Dave Hirschman: https://aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2024/september/pilot/first-look-more-than-a-tattletale

* Flysto on EuroGA: https://www.euroga.org/forums/flying/14846-geeking-out-on-post-flight-data-with-flysto-net?page=1

* Bruce Williams showing the flysto overlay on a instrument approach to EAT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7CiwzM7kWE

* Flysto's "supported avionics": https://www.flysto.net/avionics

* VUJ - Stanly County, NC: https://www.airnav.com/airport/VUJ

EP118 - All Aboard the Pain Train: The Trials of Aircraft Ownership Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

"Freedom to go broke." The guys dive deep into the bittersweet reality of aircraft ownership—from the freedom it provides to the unique challenges it presents. Brian compares airplane ownership to marriage, Ted discusses his aversion to suction cups, and Ben reveals he's "fully funded on my pro rata share" of an eventual engine overhaul. They discuss the importance of finding a trusted mechanic, the joy of spontaneous lunch flights, and why "squawk and walk" is something renters do, not owners. As Brian puts it, "I'm a visitor in this socioeconomic space," but the rewards are worth the challenges.

Mentioned on the show:

* Ghost Dog: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Dog:_The_Way_of_the_Samurai

* Jim Jarmusch: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Jarmusch

* Open Source GA- "squawk and walk": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4smAzSqNG4o#t=2m40s

* Coleal interpretation- AOPA: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2023/august/pilot/savvy-maintenance-legal-interpretations

EP117 - Park Bench vs. Swing Set: The High Wing-Low Wing Showdown Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

"If you're tired of doing your yoga classes every morning, just buy a low wing." In this episode, the crew kicks off a playful aviation civil war, pitting high-wing and low-wing aircraft against each other. Ben, Brian, and Ted debate the merits of each design, from the hanging sensation of high wings to the "sportiness" of low wings. Plus, updates on the Big Texas Send meetup, memories of a fallen aviation friend, and Ted's philosophical reflection on how "there's a countable number of summers" to fly.

Mentioned on the show:

* TAC Aero- Fredericksburg: https://www.tacaero.com/

* UOS- Franklin County/Suwanee TN: https://www.airnav.com/airport/UOS

* University of the South: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sewanee:_The_University_of_the_South

* M02- Dickson Municipal: https://www.airnav.com/airport/M02

* Aviation101- High wing vs low wing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WlVCz8E84w

* Ted's new video, "busy ground: dueling aircraft": https://youtube.com/watch?v=sN3BBw3RZDw

EP116 - Got Lazy, Not Rusty: Navigating Pattern Entries Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

Ben shares his unconventional left base entry at Daniel Field, admitting "Rusty is not the right word. Lazy, I think is the right word." This sparks a spirited debate as Brian responds " I'm coming in hot in the other direction here!" Meanwhile, Ted confesses "I just forget how to land" and explains why being "the only VFR pilot out" is "usually not a good sign."

The crew discusses proper pattern procedures versus local customs, with Ben defending his approach because "it didn't feel right to me" while Brian insists on "flying the prescribed entries for patterns, period, end of story." Plus, Ted explains his infamous "icing on the vegetables" analogy!

Mentioned on the show:

* Rod Machado - Why Maneuvering Speed Changes With Weight:https://youtu.be/BAy4w3SYCTo?si=74vAku1_jSPM9Ib9

* Rod Machado- How Is Maneuvering Speed Determined? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_KdHEzIJkk

* Brian's new video- Dead Pilots = More Views: Aviation YouTube's Race to the Bottom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed-hjosBQhQ

* Ted's new video- day at the museum: flying into and out of boeing field: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt9PPalGIyI

* Ted's new video- mercurial conditions, mistakes, odd comms: pattern work at UAO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ueu9yVHA7QY

* SureFly Magneto: https://www.surefly.net/

* EP44- Happy Hour! Guest Brian Turner (episode with "icing on the vegetables"): https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP44---Happy-Hour--Guest-Bryan-Turner-aka-Just-Plane-Silly-e2ae412

* EP116- The art of tailwheel flying with CFI Ben Lehman (aka "140 Ben"): https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP70---The-art-of-tailwheel-flying-with-CFI-Ben-Lehman-e2i7k72/a-ab5fk1c

* DNL- Augusta, Georgia: https://www.airnav.com/airport/DNL

* BIG TEXAS SEND shirt: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/merch/p/official-big-texas-send-2025-fly-in-shirt

* Jason Miller - The Finer Points - NO TEARDROP IN NON TOWERED PATTERN ENTRIES: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hi9jdxzLur4

* AC 90-66C - Non-Towered Airport Flight Operations PDF: https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_90-66C.pdf

* Visual Approach procedures in ForeFlight: https://support.foreflight.com/hc/en-us/articles/360057742073-How-is-the-Procedure-Advisor-used#h_01J9W8HH0RR7QZX8B7WVGXPBFQ

EP115 - The $200 Time Machine: Flying GA For Business Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

From dodging Atlanta traffic to landing sweet courtesy car upgrades (hello, BHM Millionair FBO's Mercedes), Ben breaks down how flying personal aircraft can transform business travel. While Ted needs "a grandmother in every town" thanks to sport pilot restrictions, and Brian ponders partnership puzzles, Ben proves that sometimes the best business tool is a Cessna. "I would pay $200 to be in a time machine any day of the week," he notes, though maybe skip the time machine demos with clients - one passenger's "dashboard painting" experience suggests some business meetings are better kept on terra firma. Join the crew for a hilarious yet practical look at mixing business with GA, where the real luxury isn't the courtesy car, it's skipping I-285 traffic.

Mentioned on the show:

* EP24 - Everything About Flying Clubs with Drew Myers from AOPA: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/midlifepilotpodcast/episodes/EP24---Everything-About-Flying-Clubs-with-Drew-Myers-from-AOPA-e1ou9h1/a-a8laq3o

* Brian's new video, "Flying Sideways: When Aviation Truth Meets Internet Expertise | A Visit to the Swift Museum": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73LnW1e0UbQ

* Lake Lanier: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Lanier

* Ft. Moore (previously Fort Benning): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Moore

* BHM Million Air: https://www.millionair.com/locations/bhm/

* Wendover Productions: The Economics of Private Jets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYPrH4xANpU

* The Economics of Everyday Things- Private Jets: https://freakonomics.com/podcast/private-jets/

Support the show on Patreon: www.midlifepilotpocast.com

EP114 - "This is a Checklist, Not a Do List" - Hustle and Flow(s) Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, a perfectionist's quest for the perfect checklist leads to an unexpected business acquisition. Barry explains how his journey from "maybe I should get my pilot certificate" turned into owning Checkmate Aviation after his DIY checklist started peeling apart.

Between Ben's tales of impressing passengers with instrument approaches and Brian's near-purchase of a globe-trotting Swift, the crew dives into the art of flows versus checklists, and joke about creating a "midlife version" with extra-large text.

Barry M, who owns Checkmate Aviation, talked about checklists and flows: https://checkmateaviation.com/

Mentioned on the show:

* Erica Gilbert - Aerosafe: https://www.youtube.com/@AeroSafe/videos

* TMA - Tifton GA: https://www.airnav.com/airport/TMA

* MMI - Athens TN: https://www.airnav.com/airport/MMI

* Swift museum: https://swiftmuseumfoundation.org/

* ICARUS view-limiting device: https://www.icarusdevices.com/

* Arthur Schopenhauer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Schopenhauer

* Checkmate Aviation: https://checkmateaviation.com/

* TTD - Troutdale Oregon: https://www.airnav.com/airport/TTD

* Checklist Manifesto: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Checklist_Manifesto

EP113 - Information Whiskey: Very Plane Shaped, That's As Far As It Goes Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

Come for the "sleep-deprived Ballyhoo," stay for the "bowling ball collectors who fly Cherokee 235s." In this episode, the crew reveals their "Ultimate Official Airplane of..." Guide where your aircraft choice might expose you as someone who "lectures about stick and rudder at parties" or "plans flights around Whole Foods locations." Plus, tales of an overenthusiastic ATC requesting a "60-mile left downwind," and why raising a puppy is just like raising a child, except "you only have to feed the dog twice a day." Featuring special guest appearances by a green-primered 737 and Ted's dirty belly (on his plane, that is). Mentioned on the show:

* Nathan Ballard's first "learning from the military" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka_5m69KCKs

* Ted's new video, "return from friday harbor with my favorite passenger", with the dirty belly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwBmh8KX22A#t=3m55s

* "Official airplane of" list on the MPP blog: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/blog/the-ultimate-official-airplane-of-guide

* MPP Aviation Apps Guide: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/blog/comprehensive-ish-aviation-apps-guide

* Bunyan's in Muscle Shoals: https://www.bunyansbarbeque.com/

EP112 - 'Just Doing a Bombing Run Here We Go': Master CFI Nathan Ballard's Military Adventure Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

When a master CFII/ATP trades right rudder lessons for a seat in an Air Force T-38 Talon, you know it's going to be good. Nathan Ballard expected a polite tour of Sheppard Air Force Base but instead found himself pulling 6Gs during actual bomb runs at 375 knots. While he's up there burning through 4,000 pounds of fuel faster than Ted burns in a year flying his "egg," the Air Force instructor is casually critiquing bombing accuracy like he's discussing the weather. "I thought this was going to be a press visit, but they said 'we're not going to just burn up gas to let you take a look - you're integrating into a real training mission,'" Nathan recalls, shortly before learning what it feels like when your vision decides to peace out at 6Gs. Between learning to eject from a supersonic jet and watching a civilian plane mosey through their military airspace like it's a Sunday drive, this master instructor brought back some serious pro tips from the world's best aviators. Pure midlife pilot gold. Mentioned on the show:

* Nathan Ballard's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NathanBallardSaferFlying

* Nathan's first military flying video: "What happens when a SMALL PLANE flies through MILITARY AIRSPACE?": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka_5m69KCKs

* WDR - Barrow County Airport, Winder Georgia: https://www.airnav.com/airport/WDR

* Sheppard Air Force Base: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheppard_Air_Force_Base

* Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program: https://www.sheppard.af.mil/Library/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/367537/euro-nato-joint-jet-pilot-training-program-enjjpt/

* T-38 Talon: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northrop_T-38_Talon

* AOPA Air Safety Institute: Accident Case Study: Final Approach: https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/accident-case-studies/final-approach

EP111 - It's ALWAYS Fuel (and Never for Skywriting) Jan 14, 2025

Show notes

"Well honey, the engine's about to stop running..." is NOT a conversation you want to have at 5,000 feet. In this episode full of real-talk about fuel management, our midlife pilots share their close calls and lessons learned. From Ben's accidental "skywriting" performance (thanks to one loose screw) to his sweaty-palms moments watching those notoriously unreliable Cessna fuel gauges, the crew digs into why "it's always fuel" became their go-to accident theory. As the old aviation wisdom goes: there's only one time you can have too much fuel - when you're on fire!

Mentioned on the show:

- Brian's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brian.siskind/

- M20 Leitchfield Kentucky: https://www.airnav.com/airport/M20

- Stinson Voyager: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stinson_Voyager

- Minimum fuel, emergency fuel, reserve fuel (PDF): https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2022-11/INFO_08004.pdf

- Twin Hornet heater: https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/eppages/aircraftheaters_08-12217.php

- MentorLive with Nathan Ballard, Jan 22: https://www.nafinet.org/mentorlive

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EP110 - An Appy Hour Special Jan 07, 2025

Show notes

Join us for a special Appy Hour episode! We talk aviation apps and tools we love, and some we even know how to use. From the "suspiciously good and free" flight analysis tools that'll keep you up until 4 AM, to website tools that look straight out of the "Angel Fire website" era (rotating fire GIFs not included), we're diving into the digital tools that keep us flying.

Learn why calling that old-school weather briefing number might connect you with someone doing their best late-night talk show host impression, and why Ben calls ATC radio "soothing" when there's nothing else to listen to. Whether you're tracking your landings, checking weather, or just trying to figure out if it's okay to brush snow off someone else's plane (spoiler: maybe don't), we've got you covered in this episode. Plus, hear why our Big Texas Send Fly In event in May 2025 is already making us ask "What have we done?" Your weekly dose of aviation inspiration, now with 100% more app recommendations.

Mentioned on the show:
* AQO Llano Texas for BBQ: https://www.airnav.com/airport/AQO
* Seinfeld: Kramer Turns His Apartment Into A TV Set | The Merv Griffin Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pys47zaxZ90
View the complete list and links to all the apps mentioned and more at: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/blog/comprehensive-ish-aviation-apps-guide

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